Question 1

What is infertility?

Accepted Answer

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over 35, this period is reduced to six months. Infertility can affect both men and women and can be caused by various factors.

Question 2

When should I see a fertility specialist?

Accepted Answer

You should consider seeing a fertility specialist if you have been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if you are over 35), have irregular periods, a history of pelvic infections, endometriosis, or if your partner has a low sperm count.

Question 3

What is the difference between IVF and ICSI?

Accepted Answer

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) involves placing eggs and sperm together in a laboratory dish for natural fertilisation. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. ICSI is typically used when there are male factor infertility issues or when previous IVF attempts have failed.

Question 4

How long does the IVF process take?

Accepted Answer

A typical IVF cycle takes about 4-6 weeks from the start of ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer. This includes 10-14 days of hormone injections to stimulate egg production, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo culture (3-5 days), and embryo transfer. A pregnancy test is done about 2 weeks after the transfer.

Question 5

What is the success rate of IVF?

Accepted Answer

IVF success rates vary depending on age, health factors, and the clinic's expertise. Generally, women under 35 have a success rate of 40-50% per cycle, while women over 40 have a success rate of 10-20%. Dr Vrushni Bhuta's clinic maintains a success rate of approximately 85% across all age groups.

Question 6

Is IVF painful?

Accepted Answer

Most IVF procedures are not particularly painful. The daily hormone injections may cause some discomfort. The egg retrieval is performed under sedation, so you won't feel pain during the procedure, though you may experience mild cramping afterward. The embryo transfer is generally painless.

Question 7

What is IUI and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) involves placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It is recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, cervical mucus problems, or when using donor sperm.

Question 8

What is egg freezing and who should consider it?

Accepted Answer

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a process where a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for future use. It is recommended for women who want to delay childbearing for personal or medical reasons, those undergoing cancer treatment, or women with a family history of early menopause.

Question 9

How much does fertility treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment. Basic treatments like IUI may cost less, while IVF and ICSI treatments are more expensive. The exact cost depends on medications, tests, and the number of cycles needed. Contact the clinic for a personalized cost estimate.

Question 10

What lifestyle changes can improve fertility?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep can all improve fertility. Both partners should adopt these habits for the best results.

Question 11

How does age affect fertility?

Accepted Answer

Age is one of the most important factors affecting fertility. Women's fertility begins to decline in their early 30s and more rapidly after age 35. Men's fertility also decreases with age, though not as dramatically. Egg quality and quantity decrease with age, which affects the chances of conception and increases the risk of miscarriage.

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